Saddle Tramps will do
a ride starting in Melrose
Sunday, December
11th, which will have
two
parts: The first is a route around Melrose proper to locate up
to 48
historic homes throughout
the old Melrose area. The second part will involve an out and
back route to Gold Head Branch State Park north of
Keystone Heights of about 26 miles.
Maps and information on
the houses and other structures will be provided at the
ride start at the
Melrose Boat Ramp. Look for the small
brown sign indicating
County Boat Ramp
Road. It is off of S.R. 26 on the north side (a left turn if
you are coming from Gainesville), and will be a short distance past C.R.
219A, which is off of S.R. 26 to the south (right side) as you come into
the town of Melrose. (If you reach the traffic light at S.R. 21,
you've gone too far.) Be there at
8:45 a.m. for a
9:00
a.m. departure. It will take about 30 minutes driving
from Gainesville--39th Avenue becomes S.R. 26 if you aren't familiar with
the route.
Although I have walked parts of this
historic route on a Christmas Tour of Melrose, I have not ridden it on a
bike. My guess is that it should take between 1½ to 2 hours on
the well laid out route. The ride to Gold Head should take about 2
hours as we will be exploring unknown routes around lakes in the area, and
possibly connecting with the Palatka-Lake Butler bike trail for parts of
the ride.
There are
several options for after the ride
as well:- Restaurant Bluewater Bay has a seafood buffet which is usually quite
good.
- The Melrose Bay Art
Gallery on S.R. 26 has an open
house from 1 to 5 p.m. with a holiday gift shop and 30 local artist
represented. (475-3866)
- Trinity Episcopal Church, also on S.R. 26
hosts the 2011 Madrigal
with vocal and instrumental music
at 3:00 p.m.--$15. (475-1842)
If you would like to ride to
Melrose with me, I'd be glad to take up to three other people. Please
call and let me know.
Questions, call Melinda (352,
373-1023) @ home. For late calls
cell
is 373-102
6.